There are so many things to appreciate about classic car restoration. The fond memories and nostalgia, the amount of elbow grease we put into our rides, and the reward of cruising around town turning heads are just a few reasons we’re so committed to our project cars. We took a poll on social media to hear from a few of our community members to see what they wished more people appreciated about classic car restoration.
“So, what do you wish more people appreciated about classic cars?”
1. The hard work we put into our classics. Speaking for myself, I didn’t have the money to have someone restore it for me. My classic is garage-built by me and a good friend. — Ramon A.
2. The fact that they don’t make them anymore. The fact that you put a lot of money, time, and love into your ride. It doesn’t matter if it is a frame off restoration or a full-blown custom, every classic is a precious glimpse into the past, the style, the designs, and the world your grandparents grew up in. Enjoy the trip into the past as you stroll through the local car show. — Gary B.
3. Going back to a much simpler time in this world. I appreciate the simple things of feeling the throttle move the car, the torque, and body roll around corners. — Danny M.
4. The visceral feeling of driving them, their ability to practically take you back to a better time, sometimes the raw power that could be had from the dealership alone, and their aesthetics, the fact that a lot of them are rolling works of art that you can use to travel in. — Ken D.
5. The sound the door makes when you close it. — Travis L.
6. The lengths people sometimes go to, to do a proper restoration. Heard about a bloke in the UK who was waiting for a particular type of tree to grow to restore the woodwork in his car. That’s dedication. — Nick M.
7. Having a piece of history that takes you back in time. — Harold F.
8. That every car is a reflection of the owner and not built to appease the judgment of everyone else. They built it that way because they like it, and they don’t need your sideways comments of what you think is right or wrong. — Steve H.
9. I wish people would think about the nostalgia and the good memories that classic cars stir in people. — Cary C. Sr.
10. To many owners they are like art, built with passion, and/or purchased as an object that gives them joy and is treasured as an investment. — Troy N.
What about you? What do you appreciate most about classic car restoration? Let us know in the comments below! Then, head over to our Facebook group and share your thoughts in our next poll for a chance to be featured in a future post like this one.
The style, the look, the drive and to cap it all off the absolute glorious body tingling sound of a Big Block.
A stock, largely original car that was well maintained and very clean with a few replacement pieces. I know this goes against the grain for the complete restoration crowd. But these types of cars seem to not attract the attention that a fully restored unit does. At least that's been my experience. But as they say, "a car is only original once."
If you have a genuine Full Classic (1915-1948, limited production as defined by the CCCA), then you truly have a work of art made of the finest materials and engineering prowess of the time. These automobiles possess a style and elegance that is appreciated by anyone who knows the history of the automotive industry; features that we take for granted today were innovative ideas by the manufacturers to make the driving experience safer, more enjoyable and luxurious. We drive these cars so that others can see them, often take folks for a ride, and encourage the younger ones to understand what a true Full Classic is and how they came to be. They appreciate that most are 80 years old or older, and that the attention to detail reflects diligence and expertise. Thankfully, there are more and more younger enthusiasts gravitating to them, because they are not mass-produced Collector cars.
Just working on my 1966 mustang convertible is a joy like no other.
As hard work we put into our classics, they should be Driven, not stored as a trophy and collect dust. Everyone is a weekend warrior and drive their classis only on weekends only. Its sad how most of us owning a classic will displayed their classics only on car shows. All these classics are hardly driven due to some jealous fool will scratch or vandalize your classic. Hardly ever see a classic driven on week days. I appreciated seeing a classic driven every now on the street or highway, but it hardly ever happens.
That they would have more care around us, not park too close or tailgate.
A MUCH simpler vehicle that WORKS well, oftentimes WITHOUT computers!